Massachusetts/Rhode Island international team member shares Devereux journey

Born and raised in Jamaica, Olanzer Cameron has always had a passion for working with children. In 2022, Cameron embarked on his journey with Devereux, and now serves as a teacher at Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“As an international team member, I receive wonderful support and empowerment. It is a pleasure to work for Devereux, and I am proud to see improvement in the children I teach.”
– Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Teacher Olanzer Cameron

Born and raised in Jamaica, Cameron has always had a passion for working with children, especially those with disabilities. In Jamaica, he served in a variety of educational roles, including guidance counselor, teacher, dean of discipline, career counselor, mentor, motivational speaker and restorative justice coordinator.

In 2022, Cameron embarked on his journey with Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

“A friend who works at Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Samora Stephen, told me the organization was seeking dedicated team members. He said my experience and love of children would be a valuable asset, and he encouraged me to apply,” said Cameron. “The experience has been extraordinary. I started as a direct care professional, and a short time later, I began training for a campus coordinator position. However, while picking up shifts at the Devereux School, the leadership team became impressed with my performance and invited me to work there. I have since earned my teaching license, and I am employed as a teacher at the school.”

Adjusting to life in the U.S.

While Cameron admits he has faced some challenges in transitioning to living and working in the U.S., he says the overall experience has been positive.

“I am the type of person who turns challenges into possibilities,” Cameron shared. “I am grateful for Devereux staff who helped make my transition to the U.S. as smooth as possible, and my friend, Samora, who ensured I settled in comfortably. Coming to Devereux, I was treated exceptionally well. I remained focused, and developed a plan for success. I now have some amazing friends, and my family has adjusted nicely to life in the U.S. as well. My twin daughters have both made the honor role at their school, and my wife is planning to attend college to study critical nursing.”

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Executive Director Nadyia Abbas, M.A., CGAS, LMHC, LADC-I, noted, “Olanzer is making his mark on our organization. He has already accomplished so much in the time he has been with us, inspiring his colleagues and students alike. At Devereux, we strive to secure a strong and diverse talent pool, recruiting and hiring compassionate team members like Olanzer who are committed to supporting our mission and helping those in our care thrive.”

Advice to potential employees

Cameron says he loves working at Devereux, and is appreciative of the supportive staff, as well as the knowledge and training he has acquired over the past year.

He offers this advice to others who are considering joining the organization: “If you are looking for a fun and exciting job, enjoy working with children with disabilities, and are seeking to enrich your career path – Devereux is the place for you. I encourage you to take the journey.”

Make a difference – Join our team!

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is hiring behavioral health professionals who want to help children, adolescents and adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences achieve their full potential. Visit jobs.devereux.org to explore our career opportunities today.

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